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Is Online Degree Equivalent to Regular Degree?

An Online Degree Equivalent to Regular Degree if it is pursued at a UGC-accredited university or college. These programmes allow the candidates to hone their skill set.
authorImageRahul Jaiswal24 Jun, 2025
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Is Online Degree Equivalent to Regular Degree?

 

 Online Degree Equivalent to Regular Degree: Earning an online degree offers flexibility and convenience, but you might wonder if it holds the same weight as a traditional on-campus program. In today's arena, candidates accredited online degrees from reputable institutions are generally considered equivalent to their campus counterparts. The focus for employers often lies on the quality of the program and your acquired knowledge, not the delivery method.

Is an Online Degree Equivalent to a Regular Degree?

In India, accredited online degrees hold the same value as traditional degrees awarded by universities. The University Grants Commission (UGC), the main regulatory body for higher education, has established accreditation standards for online programs. As long as the online program meets these standards and is offered by a UGC-approved university, the resulting degree is considered equivalent to its traditional counterpart. However, it's advisable to verify specific requirements for government jobs, as some rare instances might have additional stipulations. For private employers, the university's reputation and the program's relevance to the job are key factors considered alongside the online format.

Read Also: Regular Degree vs Distance Degree

Online Degree vs Regular Degree: Differentiating Factors

The following table can be checked to know about the major differences between online degree and regular degree.
Factor Online Degree Regular Degree
Learning Style The degree offers flexibility to learn at your own speed and schedule coursework around work, family, and other commitments. Requires strong time management and self-motivation skills. This degree provides a fixed schedule and in-person classroom environment, fostering routine and focus. One can get direct guidance and supervision from instructors.
Flexibility Online degrees allows you to fit coursework around your existing schedule, making it ideal for working adults, caregivers, or those with busy lives. The regular degree requires adherence to a fixed class schedule and physical presence on campus, limiting flexibility for those with competing commitments.
Accessibility The online degree enables you to study from virtually anywhere in the world with an internet connection, eliminating geographical barriers to education. The regular degree requires physical presence on campus for lectures, labs, and other in-person activities, limiting accessibility for those who live far away or cannot relocate for studies.
Cost Online degrees have lower tuition fees due to reduced overhead costs associated with online programs. Can also eliminate commuting expenses and potentially reduce costs for course materials. Traditional programs often have higher tuition fees due to campus maintenance, facility use, and additional services. May also incur additional costs for commuting, housing, and course materials.

Online Degree vs Regular Degree: Which One to Choose?

Deciding between an online and regular degree hinges on your learning style and lifestyle. Online degrees offer ultimate flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and juggle work, family, or other commitments. They also boast accessibility, letting you study from anywhere with an internet connection. But, if you are looking for infrastructure and in-person interaction, a regular degree might be ideal. Traditional programs offer the irreplaceable benefit of face-to-face engagement with professors and classmates.

Universities to Pursue Online Degree

Pursuing an online degree from a recognized university offers flexibility, accessibility, and industry-relevant learning, all from the comfort of your home. With UGC-accredited institutions providing quality education, students can now earn degrees equivalent to traditional ones while balancing personal and professional commitments effectively. Here's a list of top online universities.

Universities to Pursue Online Degree
University Online Degree Programs Approx. Fee (₹) Eligibility
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) BBA, BCA, BCom, MBA, MCA, MCom, MA UG: ₹99,000–₹1,35,000; PG: ₹80,000–₹1,75,000 UG: 45% in 10+2 (40% for SC/ST); PG: 50% in UG (45% SC/ST)
Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) BA, BCom, MBA, MCA, MCom, MA UG: ₹81,000; PG: ₹79,000–₹1,10,000 UG: pass 10+2/diploma; PG: 50% in UG (45% SC/ST)
Chandigarh University (CU) BBA, BA, BCA, MBA, MCA, MA (JMC/English), M.Sc Data Science, M.Sc Maths UG: ₹1,01,250–₹1,70,664; PG: ₹1,00,000–₹2,10,668 UG/PG: pass qualifying exam (no strict % cut-off)
JAIN University BBA, BCA, BCom, MBA, MCA, MCom UG: ₹1,27,500–₹1,95,000; PG: ₹1,30,000–₹1,96,000 UG: pass 10+2; PG: 50% in UG (45% SC/ST)
DY Patil University BBA, MBA UG: ₹1,45,400; PG: ₹1,89,400 UG: pass 10+2/diploma; PG: 50% in UG (45% SC/ST)
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham BBA (General/Data Analytics/Digital Marketing/FinTech), BCA, BCom, MBA (General/Finance/AI), MCA (AI/CyberSecurity), MCom UG: ₹1,20,000–₹2,19,996; PG: ₹90,000–₹2,40,000 UG: 45% in 10+2; PG: 50% in UG (MCA requires Maths at 10+2)
VGU BBA, BCA, BA, MBA, MCA, MA UG: ₹60,000–₹1,14,000; PG: ₹64,000–₹1,30,000 UG/PG: pass qualifying exam (no % requirement)
Shoolini University BBA, BCA, MBA UG: ₹58,000–₹83,000; PG: ₹1,18,000 UG: 40% in 10+2 (35% SC/ST/OBC/EWS); PG: 50% in UG (45% reserved)
Shobhit University MBA, MCA, MCom PG: ₹1,12,600 PG: 50% in UG (45% SC/ST); MCA requires Maths in UG
NorthCap University BBA, BCom UG: ₹48,000–₹72,000 UG: 10+2 with ≥ 40% (age ≥17)
 

Myths About Online Degrees

Online degrees have become a popular option for students of all ages and backgrounds. However, there are still many myths circulating about online education. Here are six of the most common myths debunked:
  • Myth #1  : Online degrees are not as respected as traditional degrees. In the past, there may have been some scepticism about the validity of online degrees. However, this is no longer the case. Today, reputable online degrees from accredited universities are held in just as high regard as traditional degrees by employers.
  • Myth #2:  Online courses are easier than traditional courses. Online courses require just as much discipline and effort as traditional courses. In fact, some students find online courses more challenging because they require a high degree of self-motivation and time management skills.
  • Myth #3: You won't learn as much in an online course. The quality of education you receive depends on the program you choose, not the format. There are many high-quality online programs that offer a rigorous curriculum and experienced instructors.
  • Myth #4: You won't have any interaction with instructors or classmates in an online course. Most online courses offer a variety of ways for students to interact with instructors and classmates, such as discussion forums, video conferencing, and email.
  • Myth #5: Online degrees are not a good option for working adults. Online degrees are actually a great option for working adults because they offer the flexibility to complete coursework around your work schedule and other commitments.  
  • Myth #6:  You need a lot of technical expertise to take online courses. You don't need to be a tech whiz to take online courses. Most online courses are designed to be user-friendly and require basic computer skills.

Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between an online and a regular degree depends on your personal circumstances, career goals, and preferred learning style. Therefore, listed below are some tips and ideas which can assist students in making an informed decision. 

  • Choose an online degree if you require flexibility, wish to balance work or family commitments, or live far from academic institutions. It’s also ideal if you are self-motivated and comfortable with technology-based learning.
  • Choose a traditional degree if you value campus life, prefer face-to-face interactions, or are pursuing programs that require hands-on training (e.g., medicine, engineering labs, performing arts).
  • Both formats offer distinct advantages, and the choice should align with your lifestyle, professional objectives, and the quality of the programs available. Regardless of the format, always prioritize accreditation and institutional reputation.

Enroll now in the PW Online Degree Course.

Online Degree Important Links
Online MCA Programs in India Online BCom Course
Online MCA Course Online Degree Programs
Regular Degree Vs Distance Degree BA Online Registration

Is Online Degree Equivalent to Regular Degree FAQs

Do online degrees have value?

Yes, online degrees have garnered value and accreditation as compared to regular degrees.

Is an online degree accepted in jobs?

Yes, several MNCs and government institutions accept online degrees for offering jobs.

Is an online degree equal to an offline degree?

Yes, if you have pursued it from an accredited university then its value is equal to an offline degree.

Is an online degree not valid?

No, an online degree is valid in India.

Do companies consider online degrees?

Yes, companies considered online degrees in India for jobs.
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